The federal government is considering a comprehensive reform package for Pakistan’s construction sector, including the establishment of a Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), evaluation of a dedicated Construction Development Bank (CDB) and targeted tax and trade policy reforms.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Senator Ahad Khan Cheema chaired a meeting to review regulatory, operational and financial reforms aimed at improving industry standards and strengthening construction capacity.
The proposed CIDB would combine development and regulatory functions, overseeing industry standards, contractors and consultants. It would comprise representatives from the public and private sectors and provide a unified platform for improving national construction standards. Ahad Cheema said the federal government and the Construction Association of Pakistan (CAP) were aligned on establishing the body, with its framework to be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval.
The government also plans to extend the Defect Liability Period (DLP) for public development projects from the existing one year to three years, with a roadmap to eventually increase it to five years.
